Did Popi Malliotaki have liposuction? Yes, and she doesn't hide it

What did Popi Malliotaki say about liposuction?

On 7 September 2022, shortly after returning from Tunisia, Malliotaki talked on Alpha TV's “Super Katerina” about what she has changed in her body. Proto Thema reported her words: “I was late in doing things to my body because I was afraid of surgery.” And then: “I do various things. I don't hide them like others do. […] I have had liposuction and right after that a tummy tuck.” The same statement was also reported by Parapolitika.

That is everything this article relies on. She did not name the technique, the treated areas or other medical details, so we do not guess at them. Where the text below explains methods and timelines, it describes liposuction in general, not her treatment.

Why her openness matters

Two things stand out in what Malliotaki said. First, she admitted she waited a long time because she was afraid of surgery — a fear many people share and one worth discussing honestly with a surgeon. Second, she said plainly that she does not hide her procedures. That makes it easier for others to treat body contouring as an ordinary medical decision with its own indications, limits and recovery, rather than a secret.

It is also worth knowing what liposuction is not. It is not a way to lose weight and not a substitute for diet and exercise. Its goal is targeted contouring: removing stubborn local fat that stays despite a normal weight and an active lifestyle.

How liposuction is done today

Liposuction removes excess subcutaneous fat through small incisions with a thin cannula. At City Medical Centre two techniques are used:

• Tumescent liposuction — a saline-based solution with lidocaine, adrenaline and other agents is first injected into the area. It loosens the fat and constricts the vessels, which reduces blood loss and makes gentle removal possible.
• VASER liposuction — fat cells are first broken down by ultrasound and then removed. It suits body contouring, muscle definition and delicate areas.

Several areas can be treated in one operation. Liposuction of the abdomen is often combined with a tummy tuck, but whether a combination makes sense is decided individually at the consultation, not from a celebrity story.

Who it suits and how to prepare

Liposuction is for local fat deposits that resist diet and exercise, uneven fat distribution, or changes in body contours after childbirth or sudden weight loss. Contraindications include age under 18, endocrine obesity, decompensated diabetes, blood clotting disorders, cancer, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and serious heart, kidney or liver disease. Preparation includes:

• blood tests (complete count, coagulation, biochemistry, infections), ECG and a chest X-ray;
• stopping drugs that affect blood clotting two weeks before, with the doctor's agreement;
• no alcohol or smoking for a week before surgery;
• the last meal 8 hours before the operation.

Recovery after liposuction

Surgery takes from about one hour for small areas to 3–4 hours for combined work, under local or general anaesthesia. With general anaesthesia patients stay one day under observation; with local anaesthesia they go home 3–4 hours later. Most return to work within 3–7 days. Mild swelling and a raised temperature in the first week are a normal reaction. Compression garments are worn for 30–45 days, and sauna, pool and intense sport are avoided for the first month. First changes are visible after 3–4 weeks and the final result is assessed at 3 months.

1. Day of surgeryMarking of the areas, anaesthesia and fat removal; compression garments are put on.
2. First hoursHome 3–4 hours later after local anaesthesia, or one night under observation after general anaesthesia.
3. Days 1–7Mild swelling and a raised temperature are possible; most people return to work in 3–7 days.
4. Weeks 1–4Compression garments day and night; no sauna, pool or intense sport.
5. Weeks 3–6Swelling subsides and first changes become visible; compression ends after 30–45 days.
6. Month 3The skin has tightened and the final result can be assessed.

Liposuction at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs tumescent and VASER liposuction for international patients. The first consultation is free and can be held online; the surgeon examines the areas, rules out contraindications and names the cost, which is then fixed in the contract. Prices start at $1,200 for one area. Follow-up check-ups are scheduled after 7 days, 3 months and 6 months. More details are on the liposuction page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Popi Malliotaki or her treatment. Her story is simply a well-known example of a woman who talked openly about the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What did Popi Malliotaki say about liposuction?

In September 2022 she said on Greek TV that she had liposuction and right after that a tummy tuck, that she had long been afraid of surgery and that she does not hide her procedures.

Which areas did Popi Malliotaki have treated?

She did not say publicly which areas were treated or which technique was used, so we do not speculate.

Is liposuction a way to lose weight?

No. Liposuction is for contouring stubborn local fat, not for weight loss, and it does not replace diet and exercise.

How much does liposuction cost at City Medical Centre?

Prices start at $1,200 for one area, such as the outer or inner thighs; abdomen costs $1,700 and abdomen with flanks $2,400. The final price is named after the free consultation and fixed in the contract.

How long is recovery after liposuction?

Most people return to work within 3–7 days, wear compression garments for 30–45 days and see the final result at about 3 months.